CH 4 Relapse and Suicidal Ideation Workbook Sample

I want to thank those of you who have followed my work and continue to do so, as you have mentioned the positive impact it has had on your recovery. As a reminder, this workbook is designed to help you and your family communicate your struggles at home and with a clinician. It is not designed to replace therapy! My workbook is designed to help you and your family resolve conflicts, develop compassion for each other, and better understand how faith plays a key role in lasting recovery. 

Please note that if you are new to my blog, my sample posts from each chapter are only samples and not in order.

 

“For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness but one of power, love, and sound judgment.”

2 Timothy 1:7 CSB

 

Introduction to CH 4 Workbook:

In 2022, during the COVID-19 pandemic, an estimated 1.6 million American adults attempted suicide, and 49,476 Americans died by suicide according to federal health statistics. A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis of 52 students found approximately 51% of individuals with eating disorders experience suicidal thoughts, while 22% have attempted suicide. To reduce these numbers, this chapter will focus on understanding relapse and recognizing signs to prevent it. You will learn about examples of suicidal tendencies and warning signs that may increase the risk of a suicide attempt. Given the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on social, economic, and societal inequalities, I believe it’s crucial to explore how the pandemic affected your family dynamic and your mental health. For this exercise, you will evaluate your mental health before, during, and after the pandemic. From this discussion, you will list five positive things you learned about yourself during this time. Because I believe there’s always an opportunity to grow and learn from stressful experiences, you will also identify five things you learned about yourself that you would like to improve.

 

You will learn what triggers a negative thought-loop cycle, ways to ground your body as you gently interrupt it, and what occurs in the brain as this cycle continues. To help you develop a healthier self-image, you will learn six strategies to resist temptation and rewire your brain to think more positively by replacing irrational, negative thoughts with positive ones. To prevent relapse and address any potential suicidal thoughts, you will explore how temptations and society have shaped your negative self-view.

 

Those who have struggled with addiction know the extent of the irrational thought process we go through to fuel addiction. I was one hour away from the airport when I decided not to fly to Bogotá, Colombia, to satisfy my need to waste away. In retrospect, this was one of many pivotal moments when God began to work in my life. I know someone who is suicidal doesn’t want to die! Someone who is suicidal is desperately seeking help to escape emotional and/or physical pain. The truth is that when someone is suicidal, they’ve been down a rabbit hole for so long that they just want relief from what’s troubling them. Their brains are out of balance, not functioning properly. They are not thinking clearly. Whether it's a chemical imbalance or a sense that life has become too overwhelming, they need unconditional love and support now more than ever to uncover the root of their suffering. They require a team of doctors who are continually learning about the complexities of the suicidal mind while closely monitoring their medications. Also, if you are not being honest with your family about drug and alcohol use, your family and doctors are limited in their ability to help you.

 

If you're feeling suicidal right now, please call 988, text TALK to 741741, or visit the suicide crisis website: http://988lifelione.org. I called 988 when I thought I had no one to turn to. The counselor was patient and understanding, guiding me through tough times when I couldn’t gather my thoughts or couldn’t afford to see a doctor. The suicide crisis hotline is free!

 

1.     List five positive things you've learned about yourself during COVID-19. These could include discovering a sense of humor, developing athletic skills, demonstrating loyalty, cultivating faith, expressing creativity, or showing compassion. This exercise lets you acknowledge your growth during a challenging time and foster hope and positivity.

2.     What did you learn about yourself during the COVID-19 pandemic that you'd like to improve? For example, spending more time with family, practicing self-care, reducing social media use, attending church more often, reassessing career options, or strengthening relationships.

 Statistic:

During the COVID pandemic, emergency room visits by teenagers for suicide attempts increased notably. During February 21-March 20, 2021, emergency department visits for suspected suicide attempts among girls ages 12-17 were 50.6% higher than during the corresponding period in 2019. Among boys aged 12-17, these visits increased 3.7%.

 

Topic:

Negative Thought Loops or “Rumination”

Negative thinking loops, often called “negative thought loops or rumination,” happen when our mind repeatedly cycles through the same distressing thoughts without finding resolution, relief, or taking action. Over time, the brain comes to see these thoughts as important, forming a pattern that keeps them replaying.

 

Topic:

My Social Media Evaluation and Boundaries

In this section, you will evaluate how social media affects your self-esteem, body image, and communication skills. Then you will share your insights with your therapist to establish personal boundaries. These boundaries will include how much time you spend on social media and the types of content you view. By setting and upholding these boundaries, you will create more time to focus on recovery and discover what brings you joy, peace, and happiness.

 

“Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

Acts 13:22

 Topic:

Medications and Relapse

In this section, you will take a closer look at your medical history (e.g., Epic, MyChart, etc.).

 

Statistic:

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people ages 10-14, the second-leading cause among those ages 15-24, the fourth-leading cause among those ages 35-44, the eighth-leading cause among those ages 55-64. In 2024, men age 74 and older had the highest suicide rate among the male age groups reported by the CDC (40.1 per 100,000).

 

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!”

Philippians 4:13

 Sherry’s Bookshelf

My first recommendation is

 

 

 

 

 

CH 3 Family History What Parents, Teachers, and Coaches Need to Know! Workbook Sample

If you're visiting my blog for the first time, please note that every sample I post from my workbook is just a sample. What you read isn't in order; it's simply an idea of what you will find when my workbook is published. Because I'm getting a lot of emails requesting information, I wanted to post before the holidays to help those who might need it now. 

 

CH 3  

Family History

What Parents, Teachers, and Coaches Need to Know!

To support recovery, parents will learn expert tips and suggestions to improve their child’s life online and offline. Parents will learn how unresolved trauma affects a teen’s brain, what healing requires, and how to help their teens succeed. Caregiver women will reflect on their past experiences and share their stories to strengthen family bonds. Fathers will learn about their role in helping their family cope with an eating disorder and discover ways to support their loved ones throughout recovery. If you are a parent seeking more information about eating disorders, I've included a link …                    

 Research indicates that eating disorders often develop during adolescence, and they are also common among athletes. Since children spend about 900-1,000 hours in school each year, I’ve included a link to Toolkits for Educators and Coaches.

 

Topic:

What steps can parents take to enhance their children’s lives both online and in real life?

As we encourage our children and each other to embrace free speech, we build unshakable confidence. If we raise our children to speak up and lead by example, especially when we’re hurting, we show today’s youth how to do the same. This results in healthier children. It’s impossible to build strong self-esteem if we are deprived of our voice, thoughts, opinions, and fears. The more autonomy and self-determination we give our children, the better protected they will be from developing body image issues.

Topic:

Understanding Trauma’s Effect on the Teen Brain

Parents are watching their teens become withdrawn, angry, or impulsive and don’t understand why. The problem isn’t attitude; it’s unresolved trauma silently reshaping the teen brain. Because parents aren’t aware of this, they often respond with control or criticism, which only worsens the struggle. However, when we understand what trauma does to the brain, we can gain clarity, compassion, and the power to help our teens heal.

The Amygdala, “the brain's alarm system,” detects danger and keeps us safe.

 

WOW…Words of wisdom!

Parents shouldn’t feel they must solve all their children’s problems. As children grow, they need to learn to navigate conflict, which helps them develop healthy coping skills. Parents don’t always need to have all the answers! Sit with your family and actively listen to what's on their minds. Healing takes time. Sometimes, giving our loved ones space to talk in quiet moments naturally brings them closer to the answers they’ve been searching for.

 

CH 2 Test and Assessments Workbook Sample

                                                                             CH 2

Everyone goes through six stages of change when changing unhealthy behavior patterns. In this chapter, you will learn why it’s essential to meet with your doctor at the correct stage! Each stage can vary in duration depending on the treatment provided and the patient’s willingness to recover. By the end of this chapter, you will be able to identify the various components of the six stages of recovery. If you are seeking treatment and are unsure where to start, Project HEAL is a nonprofit organization that offers treatment recommendations and referrals. Project HEAL can help you navigate your insurance benefits and advocate for coverage of your treatment. The hardest part of recovery is acknowledging that you need help!

 

Statistic:

An estimated 10,200 deaths in the United States were attributed to eating disorders in 2018-2019, approximately one death every 52 minutes.

 

“Our mind is a powerful tool. Left to its own devices, it can distort reality to match perceptions that are often far from the truth. Recovery is about uncovering the truth so we can live our best life.”

Sherry Hudak

 

Topic:

Ten signs that might suggest you are developing an eating disorder.

Taking this test is a proactive way to understand and manage your eating habits. Recognizing the signs of an eating disorder is crucial for early intervention and recovery. This test does not diagnose whether you have an eating disorder. However, it can help identify behavioral patterns that could lead to its development.

 

Topic:

My 30-Day Nutrition Journal and Evaluations:

Write it out…let’s figure it out!  

      My 30-day nutritional log and evaluations proved to be one of the most effective ways to build mindfulness and self-care in recovery. I felt more balanced and less anxious around people and food as I learned to manage stress in my daily life. I was better able to pinpoint how I was feeling and what was contributing to my eating disorder behaviors. LIGHTBULB MOMENT

Topic:

Stages of Change in Treatment of Eating Disorders

Everyone goes through six stages of change when working to modify unwanted or problematic behaviors. Each stage lasts a different amount of time, depending on the type of treatment and the person's willingness to commit to change. James Prochaska and his colleagues, John Norcross and Carlo DiClemente, sought to explain why some people who seek professional help successfully change their problematic behaviors, while others do not.

 

Topic:

The History of Eating Disorders

Understanding the history of eating disorders is important because this severe mental health condition ultimately claims the lives of one-quarter of those affected. Anorexia Nervosa is more prevalent today than it was a century ago, when my grandmother battled it during the 1950s. People with Anorexia Nervosa fear gaining weight. However, suggesting that gaining weight alone to treat the disorder oversimplifies the issue. For some, overcoming this obsession with being thin can be a lifelong struggle. There are many reasons why anorexia is more common now than a decade, a century, or even a thousand years ago.

 

 

Hiding

“I hide behind my clothes all day,

Because I am weak and not okay.

Sometimes I’m strong, and other times meek,

I lost my voice and couldn't speak.

I often say I'm okay,

Yet I bowed my head to pray.

It was your will all day long,

That carried me through and made me strong.

If I can do it, you can too,

Believe these things, for they are true.”

By: Sherry Hudak

 

Chapter 8 Treatment Directory Insurance Appeals Workbook Sample

CH 8

Treatment Directory

Resources

Insurance Appeals

“Pray, hope, and do not worry. Worry is useless.”

St. Padre Pio

 

Introduction to CH 8 Workbook:

The final chapter of this workbook guides you and your family through the treatment process. The resources provided via the websites will address many common questions families have about eating disorders. You will also learn about the Anna Westin Act, a significant piece of legislation aimed at improving access to evidence-based treatment for eating disorders, as well as current advances in education for healthcare providers and educators to ensure appropriate treatment is available.

In 2023, the U.S. House of Representatives also introduced the Collaborative Care model to support integrating behavioral health services within the same primary care provider’s office. If you need help qualifying for care covered by Medicaid or Medicare, I provide a link to help ensure you or your loved one can access adequate treatment. If you are denied care, I’ve included an insurance appeal template and a helpline on Project HEAL's website. If you or your family need further assistance navigating treatment, I’ve included a treatment directory with additional resources at the end of this chapter.

 Topic:

When is the best time to seek treatment? 

The best time to seek treatment is when you ask, “Do I need help?” The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to stop the behaviors that fuel your addiction. Please call your doctor to schedule an evaluation and discuss your answers to the assessments in this workbook. By seeking treatment early, you can prevent yourself from reaching rock bottom and asking yourself the same question repeatedly: “How did I end up here?” Every day offers a new chance to choose recovery.

 National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)

The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) aims to advance research, build community, and raise awareness to support nearly 30 million Americans who will experience an eating disorder at some point in their lives.

NEDA treatment directory:

 https://map.nationaleatingdisorders.org/

212-575-6200

National Eating Disorder Association Correspondence

333 Mamaroneck Avenue, #214

White Plains, New York 10605

 

Blessed

“I live my life with no regrets,

for I believe it was a test.

This book was not for me, but for you.

His love and strength will guide you through.

Feel his presence as you rest,

then thank the Lord for all the rest.

By: Sherry Hudak

 

 

 

CH 1 Self-Examination Workbook Sample

For those who've been waiting for my workbook to come out, I decided to start posting weekly samples from each chapter. Please note that the samples from each chapter are from different sections and DO NOT all go together, but give you a small sample of what is included in my workbook. 

I recognize the difficulties families are facing when seeking care for eating disorders and suicidal ideation; therefore, I hope these resources are helpful in the interim. Please like, share, post, and follow as I work on the marketing component of my workbook, which is challenging. So, if you feel this workbook can help someone in need, please pass it along!  For those in crisis, I will offer free copies upon publication, which we are aiming for Christmas 2026!

CH 1

Self-Examination

“So, I say to you, keep asking, and it will be given to you; keep searching, and you will find; keep knocking, and the door will open.”

Luke 11:9 NLT

Introduction to Ch 1 Workbook:

Throughout recovery, we learn what has shaped us by examining the connection between our past and our current health. The goal of recovery is to learn to make decisions with a clear mind rather than letting our addiction make choices for us. It’s impossible to fail if you know who you are, what you want to do, and work every day towards achieving your goals.

To understand your personal needs during recovery, Chapter One will guide you through a self-examination process. You will learn that poor body image and low self-esteem often result from underestimating your self-worth and abilities. You will discover how an identity crisis can contribute to an unhealthy body image and low self-esteem, and ways to cope when you're unsure of your core beliefs. You will assess your emotions, recall the memories that triggered them, reflect on your conscience, and understand how judgment and perception influence your happiness and self-esteem. You have a better chance of managing your recovery process by answering questions about who, what, where, when, and why events occur in your life. The more aware we are of our thoughts and behaviors, the easier it is to see how mindfulness helps us find our voice and connect the dots to our actions.

1.     Do you remember what you said your WHY was in the introduction to this workbook? Write your WHY again below as a reminder that you can do hard things! Consider sharing this workbook with your family and therapist as you work through your responses. The quickest way to recover is to be honest with yourself and others.

“You were made for something great, and your path is yours. Remember, nobody else has been given your unique opportunities and life circumstances. The combination of your personality, skills, and opportunities makes you who you are. Know your lane and continue to excel in it.”

Dr. Jen Welter

1^st Woman to coach in the NFL

 

 

Statistic:

A 1996 study found that 35% of women with bulimia nervosa reported a history of sexual abuse involving physical contact.

 

WOW…Words of wisdom!

Often, we treat our bodies the way we see ourselves. If you know you are loved, regardless of your appearance, you can start living freely without feeling the need to earn belonging, value, or affection through appearance-based acceptance.

 Topic:

Intrinsic v/s Extrinsic Motivation

What is the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation?

Intrinsic motivation is self-driven and does not rely on external rewards or pressure. You choose to do something because it’s personally rewarding and enjoyable. Intrinsic motivation tends to produce longer-lasting behavior. By contrast, extrinsic motivation is driven by external rewards. If you do something for praise, approval, or to avoid punishment, you are extrinsically motivated. Understanding the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation is essential to your success in recovery. This knowledge helps you access your drive, improve your well-being, and experience a sense of achievement.  

 

1.     Why do you want to recover? What motivates you?

 

You can't feel grateful and unhappy at the same time. Choosing envy shifts attention away from the positive things already in your life. King Solomon advises that when you're sad, list everything you should be thankful for and focus on it. When your heart is full of gratitude, there is no space for envy. Envy is more harmful than anger because it reflects arrogance and entitlement. Focusing on what we lack and what we believe we deserve may keep us from feeling content or happy. LIGHTBULB MOMENT

When I feel sad, I remind myself that I am grateful for the following:

1.__________________________________________

2.__________________________________________

3. __________________________________________

4. __________________________________________

5. __________________________________________

 

Topic:

Envy and Jealousy

 

Topic:

The Eating-Disordered Mind

 

People with eating disorders often interpret many statements differently. Those struggling with eating disorders have a filter that impacts how they understand what they’re seeing and hearing. These interpretations might not make sense to those without eating disorders, but they feel very real and factual to the person with the disorder.

 

 

What others say                                                        What anorexia hears

 

Topic:

What is love?

To understand what love means, Paul guides us in the Bible, specifically in the book of Corinthians, to stop fighting, grow spiritually, and follow Jesus' teachings in everyday life. In this series of questions, you will examine your relationships and how they affect your emotional well-being.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, is not self-seeking, is not easily angered, and keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not rejoice in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

 

1. a.) How do you define unconditional love?

 

Who does this resonate with? 🙏🫂

https://youtu.be/kRefAnZP6Cs?is=3hChUuXa0bG8jI4P

LIFE IS A SHORT TRIP!

In the photo below, I have my mom in a wheelchair as I wheel her home from a brief stay at a skilled nursing home during COVID at the end of my street. One of our last conversations was about how "life is a short trip" and the importance of protecting our mental health. We talked about praying for others and how toxic environments influence our mental and physical health. While I was happy to spend these moments with her, she passed away that night at home. The lesson... please be aware of toxic people. Sometimes we don't realize their impact on our health until it is too late.

 

TRUST GOD's TIMING

 

As "empty" as I felt throughout my struggle with anorexia, God spoke to me and said, "I've heard your prayers and seen your tears. I will put a new heart and smile in you." 

This quote combines Isaiah 38:5 and Ezekiel 36:26

How Chronic Inflammation Can Contribute to Depression and Anxiety...Team Doctors biomimetic applicator pad product launch!

 https://youtu.be/HWEOyYltvS8?si=xYKeuXqmE71gwhQp